Control varroa mites and diseases with IPM

Monitor varroa mite levels monthly during the active season using an alcohol wash or sugar roll, and treat when infestation exceeds 2-3 mites per 100 bees. Keeping mite loads low preserves the forager population that drives honey production.

Why It Works

Varroa destructor feeds on bee fat bodies and transmits viruses like Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) and Acute Bee Paralysis Virus. Colonies with high mite loads lose foragers faster than they can replace them, directly reducing nectar intake. Studies show colonies treated at the right threshold produce 30-50% more honey than untreated colonies in the same apiary.

Tips

• Test mite levels in spring, mid-summer, and late summer at minimum
• Rotate between treatment classes (organic acids like oxalic acid, thymol-based treatments, synthetic miticides) to prevent resistance
• Treat in late summer after the honey harvest so colonies raise healthy winter bees
• Combine mite control with good nutrition to help colonies recover from any virus damage
• Inspect for signs of nosema (dysentery streaks on hive fronts) and treat with fumagillin if confirmed